31/12/2025
As we welcome 2026, we reflect on the year gone by with gratitude and look forward to the possibilities ahead with hope and optimism. ๐
May the New Year bring you peace, good health, and prosperity. May it be filled with new opportunities, meaningful moments, and the confidence to take the next step in your financial journey. ๐
Thank you for trusting RetireInvest Canberra to be part of your journey. We look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals and making 2026 your best year yet! ๐
From all of us at RetireInvest Canberra โ Happy New Year! ๐๐
24/12/2025
This Christmas, may we be reminded that the greatest gifts arenโt found under the tree, theyโre shared in laughter, love, and time spent with those who matter most. ๐โค๏ธ
From our RetireInvest Canberra family to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with peace, connection, and the joy of giving. โจ
01/10/2025
Behind every strong financial plan is a trusted adviser who listens, understands, and guides with care. For many families and individuals across Canberra, that person is John Carberry.
With over 20 years of experience in the financial planning industry, John has built his career on one simple belief: financial advice should be personal, practical, and empowering.
๐ผ Throughout his career, John has helped clients:
โ
Navigate superannuation with confidence
โ
Transition smoothly into retirement
โ
Invest wisely in changing markets
โ
Protect their families with sound strategies
โ
Build legacies for the next generation
๐ฟ What makes John different?
Personalised Approach: He takes the time to understand your unique goals and circumstances.
Local Expertise: As part of the Canberra community, John understands the cost of living, lifestyle, and opportunities unique to our city.
Trusted Relationships: Many of his clients have been with him for years, relying on his advice through every stage of life.
For John, being a financial planner isnโt about chasing numbers โ itโs about helping people live the life theyโve worked hard for. He believes money is not just wealth; itโs security, freedom, and the chance to make meaningful choices.
โจ Why choose John as your financial planner?
Because he offers more than advice โ he offers guidance, clarity, and the confidence to step into the future knowing your financial wellbeing is in safe hands.
๐ฉ Ready to start your journey? Connect with John Carberry and the team at RetireInvest Canberra today.
30/09/2025
If you live in Canberra, you already know โ our city is one of the most beautiful places in Australiaโฆ but it doesnโt always come cheap. ๐ฟ๐ก
Between rising housing costs, everyday essentials, and lifestyle choices, the cost of living in Canberra has a big influence on how much youโll really need for retirement.
Letโs break it down ๐
โข Housing & Lifestyle
Canberraโs property market has stayed strong, and while many retirees own their homes, costs donโt stop at the mortgage. Rates, maintenance, insurance, and utilities can all add up โ and they need to be factored into your retirement budget.
โข Everyday Essentials
Groceries, transport, and healthcare have all risen in recent years. While inflation is easing, day-to-day costs remain higher than many people expect. Planning for these โinvisibleโ expenses can make all the difference.
โข Lifestyle Choices
Retirement isnโt just about covering the basics โ itโs about enjoying life. Whether thatโs weekends at the coast, dinners out with family, or exploring Canberraโs festivals and events, lifestyle spending can quickly eat into your nest egg.
โข The Risk of Underestimating
One of the most common mistakes we see is underestimating how much income youโll actually need to maintain your standard of living here in Canberra. This can lead to retiring too early, drawing down super too quickly, or relying more heavily on the Age Pension.
With the right planning, you can create a retirement strategy that covers the essentials and gives you room to enjoy the life youโve worked for.
At RetireInvest Canberra, we help locals map out realistic retirement budgets that reflect todayโs cost of living โ and tomorrowโs dreams.
๐ฉ Message us today to start building a retirement plan that truly fits your Canberra lifestyle.
24/09/2025
Retirement isnโt a sudden stop, itโs a gentle transition. One of the biggest shifts is moving from accumulating superannuation during your working years to drawing a pension income that supports your lifestyle.
Handled well, this transition can mean the difference between financial stress and financial freedom.
Hereโs how to make it smooth and secure ๐
1. Understand When You Can Access Your Super
Once you reach your preservation age (between 55โ60 depending on when you were born) or fully retire, you may be eligible to access your super. Knowing the rules ensures you donโt withdraw too early or face unnecessary tax.
2. Consider a Transition-to-Retirement (TTR) Strategy
If youโre still working but want to cut back hours, a TTR pension lets you access some of your super as income while continuing to make contributions.
This can help bridge the gap and keep your retirement savings growing.
3. Choose the Right Pension Option
Account-based pensions are popular because they provide flexibility and potential investment growth. But they also carry risks, like market fluctuations.
Understanding your options ensures your pension lasts throughout retirement.
4. Plan for Tax Effectiveness
The good news: once youโre 60 or older, most pension income is tax-free. Structuring withdrawals wisely ensures you keep more of what youโve worked hard for.
5. Create a Retirement Income Strategy
Think beyond โhow much do I have?โ to โhow will I draw this income?โ
A clear plan balances:
โ
Essential expenses
โ
Lifestyle goals (travel, hobbies, family)
โ
A buffer for the unexpected
Moving from super to pension is one of lifeโs most exciting milestones. Done right, it transforms decades of saving into the freedom to live the retirement youโve dreamed of.
At RetireInvest Canberra, we help you map out every step so your transition is smooth, stress-free, and perfectly aligned with your goals.
๐ฉ Ready to plan your transition? Send us a message today โ your future self will thank you.
23/09/2025
For many Australians, your 50s and 60s are the home stretch to retirement. Itโs a time to enjoy the progress youโve made, but also a crucial window to make sure your superannuation is working as hard as you are.
Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that can cost them peace of mind later.
๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐บ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐
๐ญ. ๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐
Itโs easy to lose track, but small oversights now can add up. Reviewing your balance, fees, and investment strategy ensures you stay on course.
๐ฎ. ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ผ๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ
Many assume that nearing retirement means shifting everything into โsafeโ options. But being too cautious can mean your money doesnโt grow enough to keep up with inflation. Balance is key.
๐ฏ. ๐๐ด๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐
Your 50s and 60s are prime years to boost your super through salary sacrifice, concessional contributions, or catch-up contributions if eligible. Every extra dollar now compounds into more retirement freedom.
๐ฐ. ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ
Life and income protection insurance inside super can change as you age. Not reviewing this could leave you paying for cover you no longer need, or worse, being underinsured when you still need protection.
๐ฑ. ๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐
Super isnโt just about saving, itโs about how youโll draw income when you retire. Without a strategy, you risk spending too quickly or living too cautiously.
Your 50s and 60s are the perfect time to sharpen your focus on super. With the right planning, you can avoid these mistakes and step into retirement with confidence.
๐ฉ Send us a message today and letโs talk about securing the retirement you deserve.
17/09/2025
For many couples, money can feel like one of the hardest topics to talk about. Itโs emotional, personal, and sometimes even stressful. But hereโs the truth: open and healthy financial conversations are one of the most powerful ways to build trust, reduce conflict, and create a shared vision for the future.
Whether youโre just starting out together, raising a family, or preparing for retirement, here are some ways to make money talks easier (and more effective):
1. Set the Scene for Success
Money conversations arenโt for late-night arguments or rushed mornings. Choose a calm time โ maybe over a coffee on Sunday morning โ and approach it as a team, not opponents.
2. Be Honest About Your Money Story
We all bring different experiences to the table: how we grew up, what we fear, and what we hope for. Sharing these stories builds empathy and helps each partner understand the โwhyโ behind financial habits.
3. Create Shared Goals
Want to buy a home, travel, or retire comfortably in Canberra? Writing down goals together makes money feel less like numbers and more like a pathway to the life you both want.
4. Agree on Boundaries
Healthy relationships thrive on respect. That includes respecting spending habits. Agree on what counts as โbig purchasesโ youโll decide on together, and give each other freedom for small day-to-day spending.
5. Seek Guidance When Needed
Sometimes, having an independent voice helps. A financial adviser can provide clarity, structure, and strategies that turn money talks into money confidence.
Why It Matters?
Talking about money isnโt just about budgets โ itโs about building trust, security, and a shared future. When couples communicate openly, financial stress decreases, and dreams feel more achievable.
At RetireInvest Canberra, weโve been helping couples and families in our community make confident financial decisions for decades.
If youโd like guidance on aligning your finances with your shared goals, weโre here to help.
๐ฉ Message us today or visit our website to start the conversation.
15/09/2025
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Many families feel torn between two goals:
โ
Helping adult children with things like education, housing, or unexpected expenses
โ
Protecting their own hard-earned retirement savings
The good news? With thoughtful planning, you can do both.
Here are 3 Smart Ways to Support Without Sacrifice
1๏ธโฃ Set Clear Boundaries
Helping is generous, but it shouldnโt mean putting your own financial security at risk. Think of it like an oxygen mask on a plane, secure your future first before assisting others.
2๏ธโฃ Give Support Beyond Money
Sometimes the best help isnโt financial. Offer career guidance, budgeting skills, or networking support. These can have a bigger long-term impact than handing over cash.
3๏ธโฃ Explore Creative Solutions
Instead of paying outright, consider:
โข Co-investing in property with clear agreements
โข Helping with small, specific contributions (e.g. course fees, not ongoing living costs)
Encouraging financial independence through structured goals
Why It Matters?
If your retirement plan suffers, your children may end up needing to support you later. Protecting your retirement isnโt selfish, itโs ensuring security for your whole family.
At RetireInvest Canberra, we help families find that balance: supporting loved ones while staying on track for a confident retirement.
๐ฉ DM us or click the link in bio to book a financial health check.
10/09/2025
More and more Australians are asking the same question when it comes to investing: โHow can my money make a positive impact without sacrificing returns?โ
Thatโs where sustainable and ethical investing comes in. Itโs not just about growing wealth, itโs about aligning your financial choices with your values.
๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐
๐ญ. ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ
Sustainable and ethical investing focuses on companies that are making a positive difference, whether thatโs through renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, fair treatment of employees, or strong corporate governance.
๐ It allows you to grow your wealth and support causes you care about.
๐ฎ. ๐๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐บ๐ณ๐๐น ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐
Ethical funds often screen out sectors like to***co, gambling, weapons, or fossil fuels.
๐ That means your money wonโt be funding businesses that conflict with your personal values.
๐ฏ. ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด-๐ง๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ธ๐
Companies that ignore sustainability issues may face higher risks in the future โ like regulatory changes, reputational damage, or rising costs.
๐ By investing responsibly, youโre also protecting your portfolio from long-term risks.
๐ฐ. ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ = ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐
In Australia, demand for ethical investing has surged, with many superannuation funds now offering sustainable options.
๐ This means you have more choices than ever to align your investments with your beliefs.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ
Sustainable and ethical investing is about more than โfeeling good.โ Itโs about making smart, future-focused decisions that protect your wealth while contributing to a better world.
๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ, we help you explore responsible investment options that reflect your goals and values, so your money works for you, and for the future. ๐ฟ
๐ Ready to explore ethical investing? Letโs have a chat today.
08/09/2025
When it comes to investing, thereโs no โone size fits all.โ
We all have different dreams, timelines, and comfort levels with risk, and thatโs where your risk profile comes in.
Your risk profile is like your financial personality. It reflects how much risk youโre comfortable taking, how long you plan to invest, and how you might react when markets go up or down.
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐?
โข ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ โ Knowing your risk profile ensures your investments align with your goals and timeframes.
โข ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฝ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐ฆ๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ โ A portfolio that matches your comfort level means fewer worries during market swings.
โข ๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป-๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด โ Itโs your compass when choosing the right mix of investments.
Think of it like planning a road trip from Canberra to the coast โ some people take the scenic, winding roads, others prefer the fastest highway. Both routes can get you there, but the best one depends on how you like to travel.
๐ผ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐พ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐, we take the time to understand your unique risk profile, so we can build a financial plan thatโs not only smart, but also feels right for you.
๐ Letโs explore your risk profile and make your money work in a way that suits you.